In police custody: Theft suspect dies ‘due to torture’

FAISALABAD: Aamir Khalid, 22, died on Thursday allegedly due to Razabad police’s torture.

His father Muhammad Khalid, a resident of Jameel Park, said that the police had arrested him a few days ago on charges of theft.

He alleged that Investigation officer sub inspector Shaukat Hayat had took Rs2,000 from him and assured him that the police won’t torture his son.

He said the police on Wednesday left his son in front of his house in critical condition.

“He had torture marks all over his body,” he said.

He added that the man was taken to Allied Hospital where he passed away.

“I request the authorities concerned to take notice of my son’s death,” he appealed.

Razabad Police rejected the allegation that Khalid had died due to torture.

They, however, refused to comment further on the death.

Doctors at the hospital said they could only ascertain the cause of death once the autopsy report was available.

Aamir Khalid had been arrested on charges of stealing a blanket from his neighbour’s house.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th,  2011.